Antigua and Barbuda is poised to achieve a historic milestone in its tourism sector, with Prime Minister Gaston Browne announcing that the twin-island nation is on track to welcome more than one million cruise visitors this season. This unprecedented figure marks a significant achievement for the country’s cruise tourism industry, which has seen transformative growth since the government partnered with Global Ports Holding (GPH) six years ago. Speaking on the *Browne and Browne Show* on Pointe FM, Browne highlighted the strategic decision to collaborate with GPH as a turning point in enhancing the nation’s cruise infrastructure. ‘Global Ports just announced that this season, 2025/26, we’re expecting over a million cruise tourists,’ Browne stated. ‘This is a direct result of the decision we made six years ago, despite criticism.’ GPH has invested nearly $80 million into the port redevelopment project, with the prime minister noting that the company has yet to turn a profit. ‘It will take time to amortize the investment, but the World Bank model suggests an average of 30 years for such projects,’ he explained. The partnership has not only improved port facilities but also spurred the development of land-based amenities and commercial spaces along Newgate Street, further enhancing the visitor experience. Browne emphasized that Antigua and Barbuda is emerging as a premier destination in the Caribbean, with the upcoming winter tourism season expected to be one of the strongest in years. Hoteliers across the island are reporting robust bookings, signaling a promising outlook for both cruise and stayover tourism. ‘We are making progress in every aspect of our development,’ Browne said, underscoring the government’s commitment to infrastructure and economic growth. This record-breaking season underscores the success of the government’s development model, positioning Antigua and Barbuda as a marquee destination in the region.
分类： business
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SVG will never be ‘over-commercialised,’ — Mark tells int’l media
St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) is steadfast in its commitment to sustainable tourism, ensuring the destination remains unspoiled by over-commercialization. Annette Mark, CEO of the SVG Tourism Authority (SVGTA), emphasized this vision during her address at the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s (CTO) 2025 State of the Tourism Industry Conference in Bridgetown, Barbados. Mark highlighted SVG’s dedication to preserving its natural and cultural heritage for future generations while offering visitors an authentic and unique experience.
Mark underscored the importance of responsible development, stating that SVG will never feature massive hotels or overcrowded beaches. Instead, the focus is on community tourism, ensuring that local communities benefit economically and socially from tourism activities. The SVGTA is actively upgrading tourism sites to enhance visitor experiences while maintaining the destination’s charm.
SVG’s multi-island geography is a key attraction, with seamless inter-island connectivity via airports and reliable ferry services. Mark noted that travelers can reach any island within 15 minutes, making it an accessible yet exclusive destination. The country’s tourism strategy is paying off, with a 58.7% year-on-year increase in arrivals from the United States and over 100,000 stay-over visitors for the first time in history.
Air connectivity is expanding, with Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines, JetBlue, and Delta supporting the destination. Additionally, SVG is attracting high-end cruise passengers, aligning with its positioning as a luxury destination. The government is also partnering with major hospitality brands, including Sandals and Marriott, to enhance accommodation options while maintaining a balance between luxury and accessibility.
Mark painted a vivid picture of SVG’s diverse landscapes, from the rugged volcanic terrain of St. Vincent to the pristine white sand beaches of the Grenadines. She invited visitors to imagine the beauty of each island, reinforcing SVG’s appeal as a unique and emerging destination. With a target of 120,000 stay-over visitors this year and a 17.3% increase already recorded, SVG is poised for sustainable growth in its tourism sector.
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‘Ferries, not flights’: Caribbean officials push for cost-effective, cargo-friendly sea links
For decades, the necessity of enhancing regional connectivity through maritime routes has been a focal point among tourism officials, business leaders, and various interest groups in the Caribbean. However, options for sea travel have remained largely restricted, with services like L’Express Des Îles primarily catering to sub-regional transport between French and Kweyol-speaking islands. Ferry services, with their dual capacity to transport both passengers and cargo, present a transformative opportunity for the region. Such connectivity could seamlessly link business and leisure travelers across destinations, fostering economic integration and unity among geographically proximate islands. This potential was a central theme on Day 2 of the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2025, where tourism ministers from across the Caribbean emphasized the value of expanded ferry services. Tashia Burris, Secretary of Tourism for Tobago, highlighted the pressing need for additional ferry capacity to address gaps caused by heavy domestic bookings on Caribbean Airlines, which currently serves as the primary carrier for international arrivals via Trinidad’s Piarco Airport. Burris underscored the strategic advantage of Tobago’s proximity to Grenada, Barbados, and Guyana, advocating for enhanced southern Caribbean connectivity. Grenada’s Minister of Tourism, Adrian Thomas, echoed these sentiments, noting that ferries could not only improve passenger transport but also transform agricultural waste into commercial opportunities by facilitating the movement of perishable goods. Thomas emphasized the cost-effectiveness of sea travel compared to air transport, particularly for inter-island journeys. Zhavargo Jolly, Minister of Tourism for Turks and Caicos, passionately argued for the establishment of a reliable regional supply chain, lamenting the inefficiency of current shipping routes that often detour through Miami, inflating costs and impacting the cost of living. Jolly called for coordinated efforts within regional organizations like CARICOM and the Caribbean Tourism Organisation to address these logistical challenges. While the discussions at SOTIC 2025 highlighted the immense potential of ferry services, the realization of this vision hinges on the decisive actions of key stakeholders.
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Sagicor Life Inc. crowned best large business at BCCI Bicentennial Gala and Awards
In a grand celebration marking 200 years of business excellence, Sagicor Life Inc. (Sagicor) emerged as a standout performer, securing the prestigious Best Business Award in the Large Business Category at the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (BCCI) Bicentennial Gala & Awards. The event, hosted at the Wyndham Grand Barbados Resort, gathered the nation’s foremost corporate leaders to honor resilience, innovation, and leadership across various industries.
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Sangster International Airport named Caribbean’s leading airport for 17th consecutive year
Sangster International Airport (SIA) in St James, Jamaica, has once again been crowned the Caribbean’s Leading Airport by the World Travel Awards (WTA) for the 17th consecutive year. The prestigious accolade was announced on October 4, 2025, during the WTA Caribbean & North America Gala Ceremony held at the Sandals Grande Saint Lucian Resort in St Lucia. This event is part of the WTA’s annual Grand Tour, which honors excellence in the global travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors. Shane Munroe, CEO of MBJ Airports Limited (MBJ), the operator of SIA, expressed profound gratitude for the recognition, dedicating the award to the MBJ team, the SIA community, and all stakeholders. He emphasized that the achievement reflects the dedication of over 7,500 team members and partners who strive to deliver exceptional experiences for travelers. SIA, Jamaica’s primary tourism gateway, handles over 70% of the island’s air traffic. The airport has been investing heavily in infrastructure, passenger experience enhancements, sustainability initiatives, and technological innovations. Recent projects include full biometric integration for departures and the upcoming pilot of a self-bag drop system. Munroe highlighted plans to expand check-in areas, parking facilities, the Immigration Hall, and the East Concourse to further improve efficiency and customer satisfaction. Sharon Hislop-Holt, Manager of Commercial Business Development and Marketing, underscored the collaborative efforts behind the airport’s success, thanking stakeholders and partners for their support. The WTA, established in 1993, is globally recognized as the pinnacle of industry excellence, with its regional winners advancing to the World Travel Awards Grand Final.
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Food Prices Continue to see Slight Decreases In Antigua and Barbuda, June CPI Reveals
The Ministry of Finance and Corporate Governance’s Statistics Division has released the Consumer Price Index (CPI) data for June 2025, revealing a complex economic landscape marked by contrasting trends in food, energy, and core inflation sectors. Year-on-year analysis shows a modest 0.2% rise in the CPI for the twelve months ending June 2025, a notable recovery from the 0.6% decline recorded in May. However, the All Items Less Food and Energy index remained unchanged, reflecting a balancing act within core inflation metrics. The Food index experienced a 0.8% decline over the same period, driven by significant drops in vegetable prices, including lettuce (-60.6%), frozen vegetable blends (-23.0%), and onions (-13.8%). Other food subcategories, such as fish and seafood (-3.2%), oils and fats (-6.3%), and dairy products (-2.2%), also contributed to the downturn. Conversely, the Energy index surged by 5.4%, underscoring ongoing volatility in global energy markets. Monthly data highlights a 1.0% increase in the CPI for June, with the Food index rising 0.9% after a 0.4% drop in May. Notable monthly gains were observed in fruits (3.5%) and vegetables (2.8%), while transport services (8.4%) and health-related expenses (9.6%) saw significant hikes. These increases were partially offset by declines in recreation and culture (-5.1%) and household maintenance (-4.1%). The report underscores the intricate interplay of inflationary pressures across sectors, with implications for consumer spending and economic policy.
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Cannabis farmers urge regional trade before global exports
Caribbean cannabis cultivators have issued a strong warning to governments, urging them to prioritize national and regional trade before venturing into international markets. This call was a central theme at the St Vincent and the Grenadines Second Cannabis Conference and Expo Regional Cultivators’ Dialogue, where traditional growers and advocates from across the region convened. The consensus was clear: safeguarding local farmers, bolstering regional economies, and preserving sovereignty must take precedence over global ambitions.
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Financial Information Month Festival 2025 Launched
The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) officially inaugurated the Financial Information Month (FIM) Festival 2025 on September 30 with a regional media event. The gathering united banking partners, students, educators, government representatives, and media practitioners from across the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU). The event signaled the commencement of a month-long series of activities throughout October, aimed at fortifying communities and empowering citizens to transition from being savers to investors—the central theme of this year’s FIM Festival. Deputy Governor Dr. Valda F. Henry delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the ECCB’s mission to maintain monetary and financial stability while fostering growth and development. She highlighted key initiatives such as the First Step Savings Account, designed to integrate more citizens into the formal banking system, and the Regional Government Securities Market (RGSM) Retail Bond Initiative, which aims to facilitate the shift from saving to investing. The launch, chaired by Shermalon Kirby, Director of the Corporate Relations Department, featured presentations from regional and sectoral partners. These included discussions on wealth creation by Dwight Sampson of Grenada’s Ministry of Finance, a monologue titled “Me Want to Grow My Wealth” by Shana Derrick, and insights into the ECCU Retail Bond Initiative by Juletta Edinborough. Additionally, Youlouca Armony-Browne of the Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange highlighted the 3rd Annual Regional Schools Investment Competition, with reflections from the 2024 champions, Adelphi Secondary School. Representatives from FIM Partnering institutions also presented their 2025 Calendar of Activities.
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Ferries, not Flights: Caribbean officials push for cost-effective, cargo-friendly sea links
For decades, the Caribbean has grappled with limited maritime connectivity, primarily relying on sub-regional transportation like L’Express Des Îles, which serves French and Creole-speaking islands. However, the potential of ferry services to revolutionize regional travel and trade has become a focal point for tourism officials, business leaders, and policymakers. At the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2025, ministers from across the Caribbean emphasized the transformative impact of expanded ferry networks on both economic and social fronts. Tashia Burris, Secretary of Tourism for Tobago, highlighted the challenges faced by international visitors due to overbooked domestic flights. She underscored the strategic advantage of ferry services in connecting Tobago with neighboring islands like Grenada, Barbados, and Trinidad, calling it a ‘no-brainer’ for regional integration. Grenada’s Tourism Minister, Adrian Thomas, echoed this sentiment, noting that ferries could not only facilitate passenger travel but also address agricultural waste by providing a reliable means to transport perishable goods. He advocated for investments in vessels equipped with cold storage to support farmers and reduce food spoilage. Zhavargo Jolly, Minister of Tourism for Turks and Caicos, passionately argued for the establishment of a regional supply chain to reduce costs and improve efficiency. He criticized the current reliance on North American hubs like Miami for intra-Caribbean shipments, which inflates costs and impacts the cost of living. Jolly called for collaborative efforts within regional organizations like CARICOM and the Caribbean Tourism Organisation to turn these discussions into actionable plans. While the enthusiasm for ferry services is palpable, the realization of this vision hinges on the commitment of key decision-makers to invest in infrastructure and foster regional cooperation.
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NBD and Discover Dominica Authority launch two-year partnership to boost culture, tourism, and community development
The National Bank of Dominica Ltd. (NBD) and the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) have solidified a two-year strategic partnership aimed at bolstering Dominica’s cultural, tourism, and community development efforts. Announced during a press conference in Roseau, this collaboration will provide financial and in-kind support to both national and grassroots events across the island. The partnership’s first initiative will see NBD as the Premium Bank Sponsor for the 25th World Creole Music Festival (WCMF), a cornerstone of Dominica’s cultural calendar. To commemorate the festival’s silver jubilee, NBD has introduced the “25 Years, 25 Big Wins” promotion, offering customers the chance to win prizes such as cash rewards, festival tickets, and branded merchandise through credit card transactions or new sign-ups. A grand prize of EC$2,500 will be awarded in November. Beyond the WCMF, NBD will support a variety of cultural events, including Mas Dominik, Jazz and Creole, Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl, Breakfast Fete, and community carnival activities. Additionally, NBD will engage with fringe events like Rize and Whine and White Sunset, hosting interactive “Scan & Win $250” promotions at designated lounges and QR stations. In partnership with NexConnex, NBD will sponsor the WCMF Art Gallery, showcasing the work of Dominican artisans and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The gallery will feature NBD point-of-sale machines to facilitate seamless purchases, directly supporting local creators. Michelle Joseph, NBD’s Marketing Manager, highlighted the partnership’s broader impact, stating, “This is more than sponsorship. This is partnership in action – culture, community, and commerce working together, with NBD as the bridge.” The initiative aligns with NBD’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, reinforcing its commitment to cultural pride, small business support, and community strengthening. The collaboration, set to run through 2027, represents a sustained investment in Dominica’s cultural and economic landscape.